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SCENE III] LOVE FOR LOVE 233
Scan. Is that your discretion? trust a woman with her
self?
Tat. You say true, I beg your pardon;—I'll bring all off.—
[Aloud.[ It was impossible, madam, for me to imagine,
that a person of your ladyship's wit and gallantry could have
so long received the passionate addresses of the accomplished
Valentine, and yet remain insensible; therefore you will
pardon me, if, from a just weight of his merit, with your
ladyship's good judgment, I formed the balance of a reciprocal
affection.
Val. O the devil! what damned costive poet has given
thee this lesson of fustian to get by rote?
Ang. I dare swear you wrong him, it is his own; and
Mr. Tattle only judges of the success of others from the
effects of his own merit. For certainly Mr. Tattle was
never denied anything in his life.
Tat. O Lord! yes, indeed, madam, several times.
Ang. I swear I don't think 'tis possible.
Tat. Yes, I vow and swear I have: Lord, madam, I'm the
most unfortunate man in the world, and the most cruelly
used by the ladies.
Ang. Nay, now you are ungrateful.
Tat. No, I hope not:—'tis as much ingratitude to own
some favours as to conceal others.
Val. There, now it's out.
Ang. I don't understand you now: I thought you had
never asked anything but what a lady might modestly grant,
and you confess.
Scan. So, faith, your business is done here; now you may
go brag somewhere else.
Tat. Brag! 0 heavens! why, did I name anybody?
Ang. No, I suppose that is not in your power: but you
would if you could, no doubt on't.
Tat. Not in my power, madam! what, does your ladyship
mean that I have no woman's reputation in my power?
Scan. [Aside to TATTLE.] 'Dons, why, you won't own
it, will you?
Tat. Faith, madam, you're in the right: no more I have,
as I hope to be saved; I never had it in my power to
say anything to a lady's prejudice in my life. For, as I was
telling you, madam, I have been the most unsuccessful
creature living, in things of that nature; and never had the